by Kevin Spain, USA TODAY Sports

by Kevin Spain, USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Love's decision to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers was helped by a phone call.

Well, more specifically, a phone call from LeBron James.

"LeBron signed to come back with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a just few hours post he called me and I said, "you know what, 'I'm in,' " Love said "That had a lot to do with my decision."

The Cavaliers introduced Love as the newest member of the team's makeover that began with the signing of James in free agency.

Love spent his first six seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who received Cleveland's 2014 No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins and 2013 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett. The Philadelphia 76ers were part of the trade as well, sending Thaddeus Young to the Timberwolves for guard Alexey Shved and forward Luc Mbah a Moute, along with the rights to the Miami Heat's 2015 first-round pick through the Cavaliers.

Love has never made the playoffs, but that should change on this team. The trio of Love, James and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving gives Cleveland an exciting Big 3 that will be difficult for teams to defend.

"The endgame is always tough," Love said. "You know, the work I think we'll be able to put in every day and the culture that we'll have here that Griff (Cavs general manager David Griffin) and (owner) Dan Gilbert have set up for us, that culture is going to allow us to work every day. And for us, that will be gratifying. That's what I'm looking forward to, is every day continuing to get better."

Love was asked if he could talk about how long he might be in Cleveland.

"That is something that hasn't been talked about," Love said. "But like I told Griff and Dan Gilbert as well that I"m committed to this team. I'm committed long term to the end goal and that's to win championships here in Ohio."

Love, who is a career 19 point scorer and 12 rebound player, said he has patterned his game after Dirk Nowitzki. He worked on playing inside and outside.

As far as making the adjustment to the Cavaliers from his six seasons in Minnesota, Love went down the Cleveland roster and how he knows each guy.

"I loved my time in Minnesota," Love said. "It was a great six years and I enjoyed my time."